Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet To Come
I performed live at New York City's historic Radio City Music Hall for this concert extravaganza honoring Tony Bennett on September 15th, 2016.
Performers included Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, k.d. Lang, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Diana Krall, Kevin Spacey...and Tony himself! What a thrill, and nothing short of extraordinary. The harp was positioned on a riser behind the band, directly in the center of the stage, so I was able to witness each performance from a "front row view".
One highlight for me was watching Stevie Wonder as he brought down the house with hits including "Sir Duke" and his own version of "Happy Birthday" in a touching sing-along. But the real pinnacle of the evening was witnessing Tony - at age 90! - still singing with depth and power, crooning "I Got Rhythm", "Who Cares?" and his trademark "I Left My Heart in San Francisco".
NBC aired the concert on December 20th and is now available On Demand. A CD of the event's performances on Columbia Records is available now on iTunes!
Opening Day at the US Open
This is my fifth consecutive year performing at the Presidents Gate, the exclusive entrance where players and VIPs arrive. I play amplified enough for the pop/rock repertoire that the USTA enjoys to be edgy, but within limits to not disturb players on the practice courts just behind me. This year my sets included John Legend, Rihanna, Sheryl Crow, and a crowd pleasing throwback rendition of Blondie’s “The Tide is High”.
Nothing Beats Being Here: US Open
A beautiful blonde caught my eye as she stepped out of a black Suburban, her left leg encased in a cast from a broken foot. It was supermodel Christie Brinkley. In a moment only an experienced catwalker could have provided, she posed for the paparazzi directly in front of the harp! The camera shutters furiously clicked away and there I was, in the background of each photo.
CMA Country Christmas show on ABC
One incredible moment was when Jennifer Nettles decided to come into the studio and sing a few passes of her song, “This Angel” with us! Listening to her seamless, soulful voice through the cans (earphones) was incredible – -and when she casually sat down next to me on a couch and chatted for ten minutes as if we were old friends, I was sure I was her new biggest fan.
